The Greenbrier Historical Society received $6,000 in Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) tax credits from the West Virginia Development Office to be distributed to individuals and businesses now through March 2015. NIP was established by the West Virginia State Legislature in 1996 to increase charitable giving to local nonprofit organizations, thus increasing their capacity to serve low-income individuals and communities. NIP contributions assist the Greenbrier Historical Society (GHS) with much of its free and low cost programming. In 2013, nearly 3,500 visitors participated in the free guided tours of the North House Museum or free research assistance in the Archives & Library. The North House Museum & Archives, located at 301 West Washington Street in Lewisburg, is open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Greenbrier Historical Society also offers free educational programs to local Greenbrier Valley schools and youth groups. The programs can either be held on-site at the North House or in the classroom. With the assistance of NIP contributions, GHS was able to offer educational programs to over 1,000 students in Greenbrier and Monroe Counties in the 2013-2014 school year, with many of those programs taking place at the North House. The Greenbrier Historical Society tries to make history interesting and relevant through a variety of programming, exhibits and special events for all ages. The NIP program provides a great way for organizations, such as the Greenbrier Historical Society, to raise funds to support this programming. Business and individuals who contribute to the NIP program at the Greenbrier Historical Society are eligible to receive up to 50 percent of the contributed amount in the form of West Virginia tax credits. The credits can be used on Personal Income Taxes, Corporate Net Income Taxes or Business Franchise Taxes. The full amount of the contribution is also eligible for a charitable contribution deduction on the individual’s or business’s Federal Taxes. The minimum contribution to receive NIP credits is $500, and the NIP credits received by the Greenbrier Historical Society will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis until they have all gone. For more information on the NIP tax credits or to make a contribution, please contact the Greenbrier Historical Society at 304-645-3398 or director@greenbrierhistorical.org.
